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02/11/2003: We are back on the mainland - how the Tasmanians call the big island to their north. The ferry brought us safely from Devonport over the Bass street to Melbourne.

02/08/2003: Our time in Tasmania is coming to an end, but before that we have to make a visit to Hobart - the capital of that state. With it's big harbour its the economic centre of Tasmania. We climb the Mt. Wellington from where we have a spectacular view overlooking Hobart and its surrounding. Because we are very lucky with the weather, we can even spot the high mountains 150 km far from here! One reason for the visit is to meet again the family of Guy and Claire, who fled 15 months ago from Zimbabwe - like so many others. Being white farmers they had no easy life after the "land reform" of Mugabe and finally the oppression and terror by the corrupt regime have been too much. Now they try to build up a new life here in Tasmania - and not to think too often about their motherland. Another happening we enjoy is the Wooden Boat Festival where we have a close look at numerous wooden boats from all over the country.

02/02/2003: About 5,000 kilometres of sea separate Tasmania from Antarctica. One reason more for us to have a closer look to the under-water-world of that region! As we have been used to the warm waters of Africa we dive now in ten degree colder water at Eaglehawk Neck. Surely we don't have enough time to meet all that's swimming around here, but some dives are better than none, and we enjoy some quite different animals than what we have seen before in the north! And because there is so much to see, here's a special page.

01/28/2003: An evening walk along the sea, the sun sets, a small wind is blowing and the waves make the only noise ... but caution! It's the time of year where the Fairy Penguins breed! Along the eastern coast - specially in the region of Bicheno - these cute little birds lay their eggs in nests in the bush along the coast. They spend the whole day in the sea searching for food and come back on land to feed their young. About 35 cm "tall" they get and are very cute when stalking through the night. As soon as the young are old enough, they return to the arctic waters for the rest of the year.

01/24/2003: We start with exploring the east coast of Tasmania. It's said to be the most remote and unexplored region of this state - the only gravel road going through, the "Western Explorer" was finished in 1996. After some days between forest and beach we reach the little tourist town Strahan. Here we can't resist to take part in one of the big attractions: flying with an seaplane over the mouth of the Gordon River and the Ocean Beach stretching for many kilometres. The spectacular highlight is flying little above the rivers water through its bending gorge. The rainforest stretches along its banks as far as the eye reaches. We make a stop on the river to explore romantic falls after which the small plane takes us back into the harbour of Strahan.

01/15/2003: The impressive Ferry "Spirit of Tasmania" is already waiting for us in the harbour of Melbourne. But before we are allowed on board, there a strict checks: we have to leave an onion, three zucchinis and four potatoes behind as well as - because of security reasons - 40 litres of diesel. AT 9pm all passengers are on board and we sail off southwards. Before the sun is going down, we enjoy a short view of the Skyline of Melbourne. After a night with little sleep we arrive in Devonport nine hours later. And we are not the only ones who leave the vessel: Tasmania is a favourite destination for Australian citizens of the other states - even more in summer, when the climate here is much cooler than on the "mainland".

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